Tinaye Agere
Langton Nyakwenda
APART from his deft touches and wonder goals, wearing his jersey with a turned-up collar was also a big part of Eric Cantona’s football story.
The legendary former France midfielder, who is now a film actor, is credited for playing a starring role in Manchester United’s resurgence into a dominant football force in the 1990s.
The club’s official site, manutd.com, aptly captures his exploits in an article titled “The story of Cantona’s collar” in December 2021.
According to the site, “Eric Cantona had a regal presence, supported by his nickname of The King, and his turned-up collar was part of that image.”
Legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson said it was a sign of confidence, but it turned out that it was also down to some superstitious beliefs.
“He (Cantona) once revealed it was no gimmick, merely that he played with his collar up during a cold day and, with his side winning that particular match, decided to keep it that way for good luck,” manutd.com explained.
Whether it was a sign of confidence or a ritual, Cantona’s turned-up collar was a popular image not only in the English Premier League, but also across the globe.
Budding footballers across Africa, Zimbabwe included, would also play street football with their collars turned up, idolising their icon Cantona.
One such kid, who was also called Eric, adopted the style when he was playing junior football in the Katanga suburb of Norton and later earned the moniker “Cantona”.
That nickname has stuck with him for years.
It has taken long for Eric “Cantona” Manokore’s talent to be fully appreciated.
Although he is now 30 years old, he remained an unknown quantity until a few months ago.
Superb performances for resurgent Premier Soccer League side Cranborne Bullets have since catapulted him to stardom.
His name has been dominating social media debates amongst players, coaches and fans.
Former Dynamos striker Norman Maroto has been hyping Manokore on Facebook, following the player’s gutsy show when Cranborne Bullets stunned CAPS United 2-1 in a league tie at the National Sports Stadium last weekend.
He played a blinder as a defensive midfielder and scored the winner three minutes from time. The former Black Rhinos right-back has also developed into one of the best passers of the ball in the league.
Bullets’ possession style of football revolves around Manokore.
The player, however, believes coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera should be credited with the team’s revival.
After stuttering opening weeks, in which Bullets went for seven games without a win, the soldiers have suddenly awakened from their slumber and have now posted three wins and two draws in their last five outings.
They are 12th on the log table.
“It was a difficult period for us when we were losing and we were bottom of the log, but coach Yabo (Saruchera) never pressed the panic button.
“He always encouraged us to keep pushing,” Manokore told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“Results will come, the coach always said. He told us once we started winning, we would beat any team because we had the quality.”
Skipper Tadiwa Chibunyu, skilful centre-back Chris Charakupa, Moreblessing Mushangwe, Prince Mutasa and Malvern Mudzura have also been key for Bullets.
Not only are they playing entertaining football, Bullets are also grinding results.
“Kicking the ball forward is the last option in our team; that’s our system,” said Manokore.
“But we need to stay focused and guard against complacency.”
Manokore was born in Warren Park in 1992.
His father was an electrician with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
His family relocated to Munyati when he was in Grade One, after his father was transferred.
Sadly, Manokore’s father passed away that same year and the family had to move to Norton. “I played football from primary school in Norton and made the Norton select squads, alongside the likes of Raphael Muduviwa and Valentine Kadonzvo.”
He also played for St Eric High School before he joined Black Rhinos’ Under-16 side.
Manokore graduated into the Under-18 team and signed his professional contract with Rhinos in 2012.
“Rhinos were playing in Division One and there was a lot of competition for the defensive linkman position because we had the likes of Menard Mupera and Shepherd Nkata also playing that role.
“But Mupera was a mentor; he taught me a lot of tricks and I still value his contribution to my game,” recalls Manokore.
He played two seasons in the Premier Soccer League after Chauya Chipembere were promoted in 2013.
Rhinos were then relegated, only to return in 2017 under Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, but Manokore had left for Bullets, who were still playing in the second-tier.
“I also enrolled with the Midlands State University for a degree in Developmental Studies, so when Cranborne Bullets were promoted into the PSL, I did not play in their first season.
“I am now in my final semester and can now balance my studies and football.”
The versatile player has been one of the most outstanding players in the Premiership so far. “He (Manokore) is very consistent and showing a lot of maturity,” said Saruchera.
“Manokore has also developed into a dead-ball specialist. He scored a beauty against Bulawayo Chiefs and the winner against CAPS United was just excellent.
“I wish him well. I am just hoping when the national team is back, he can be called up to represent his country,” added Saruchera.
Suspension of action
A total of 107 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches had been played by Wednesday, when the PSL was forced to suspend the league as a result of the stadium crisis.
A total of 178 goals have been scored, at an average of 1.66 per match, with Manica Diamonds’ striker Fortune Binzi the only player to hit a hat-trick.
Binzi leads the scoring charts with eight goals, three more than Ngezi Platinum’s Takunda Benhura and Hwange’s Itayi Makopa.
A total of 44 draws were registered in 107 matches, and Triangle have the most drawn games (nine).
Log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars have scored the most goals — 18, while Highlanders have the best defence, conceding only three goals.
Bosso skipper and goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda has kept nine clean sheets, but Dynamos have the greatest number of clean sheets — 10.
ZPC Kariba have the worst defence, having conceded shipped in goals in 12 matches, at a rate of 1.58 per game.
Highlanders’ centre-back Peter Muduhwa has also been a standout performer so far.
With eight clean sheets, Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donovan Bernard has also picked up from where he left off last season.
The Dynamos midfield pair of Donald Mudadi and Tanaka Shandirwa, Benhura (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Michael Charamba (Chicken Inn), Danny “Deco” Phiri (Bulawayo Chiefs), Joseph Thulani (CAPS United) and Juan Mutudza of FC Platinum are also among the top performers.
Ngezi Platinum Stars’ skipper Qadr Amini remains dangerous from the dead ball, while Chiefs’ attacking linkman Mtokhozisi Msebe keeps proving this could be his breakout season.
The Yadah duo of goalkeeper Panashe Nyabunga and centre-back Brian Kadamanja; Leslie Kashitigu and Marvelous Mukumba (Ngezi Platinum Stars); Wilson Mensa (Triangle); and Foster Dhemere and Tinotenda “Kedha” Chiunye (ZPC Kariba) have also caught the eye, as did Tafadzwa Jim of Herentals.
* Twitter: @LangtonGuraz
Online Reporter